CBP sets dates for e-manifest compliance

WASHINGTON, (Aug 18, 2004) — U.S. Homeland Security has announced it is implementing the first phase of mandatory advance electronic cargo information for trucks, via a Customs and Border Protection-approved electronic data interchange system.

Depending on the port of entry, carriers hauling into the U.S. will have one of three compliance dates to begin pre-notifying CBP of the shipment electronically — the earliest being Nov. 15, 2004.

As Today’s Trucking has reported over the last year, the rules require fleets hauling Free and Secure Trade (FAST)-approved shipments to pre-notify CBP of the load no later than 30 minutes before reaching the border. Non-FAST carriers must submit data at least an hour before arrival.

CBP is requiring two interim EDI systems be used until the Automated Commercial Environment Truck Manifest becomes fully operational. With two exceptions, carriers must use the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) and QP/WP (an Automated Broker Interface (ABI) in-bond processing system that allows ABI filers to create and process in-bond shipments).

However, CBP will not require carriers to use either of the CBP-approved EDI systems if the cargo is approved for processing under the Customs Automated Forms Entry System
(CAFES) or the Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) programs.

In the case of the latter, carriers must only use FAST-approved drivers; the importer and shipper involved in the transaction must be current BRASS participants; and the importer and shipper must have engaged in at least 50 shipments the previous year, although CBP retains the right to change that number at any time.

All shipments crossing at the three major Southern Ontario border points — Fort Erie, Ont.-Buffalo, N.Y.; Windsor, Ont.-Detroit, Mich.; and Sarnia, Ont.-Port Huron, Mich. — must begin electronic transmission on the first scheduled compliance date, Nov. 15, 2004. Other crossings falling under that deadline include Surrey, B.C.-Blaine, Wash. and Delta, B.C.-Point Roberts, Wash.

The second compliance date, Dec. 15, 2004, involves the majority of Canada-U.S. crossings. They include: Lacolle, Que.-Champlain, NY; Pembia, N.D.-Emerson, Man.; North Portal, Sask.-Portal, N.D.; Belleville, N.B.-Houlton, Me.; and St. Stephen, N.B.- Calais, Me.

Coutts, Alta.-Sweet Grass, Mont. is one of the few major border points that has until Jan. 14, 2005 to comply with EDI advanced notification.

Eventually when the ACE is fully operational, carriers will be able to open Truck Carrier Accounts. Holders will have access to operational data, receive status messages on ACE Accounts, have access to integrated Account data from multiple system sources, manage and disseminate information in an efficient and secure manner, and obtain release of their cargo, crew, conveyances, and equipment via the ACE Portal or electronic data interchange (EDI) messaging.